Control Software for Unlocking and Relocking Cellular Telephones

ABSTRACT

Cellular telephone handsets often include electronic or software coding that “locks” them to a specific wireless network. Provided herein, is a method for provisioning locked handsets by unlocking them from their established network and relocking them on a new cellular network. The handset is connected in communication with the control process, identified, and provisioned. The method allows for provisioning of multiple models and brands to be provisioned from different carriers and to different carriers. It further allows multiple handsets to be provisioned simultaneously. During the process, the handset may be sensitivity tested. Further, the identification portion of the method can be used in conjunction with phone support tools beyond the provisioning process.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/195,525, filed on Oct. 8, 2008, entitled “Control Software forUnlocking and Relocking Cellular Telephones”, U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/587,534, filed on Oct. 8, 2009, entitled“Control Software for Unlocking and Relocking Cellular Telephones”, andU.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/435,929, filed onMar. 30, 2012, entitled “Control Software for Unlocking and RelockingCellular Telephones”, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Applicants' invention relates to software for flashing and reflashingcellular telephones and method for using same.

2. Background Information

Cellular telephones and other wireless communication devices ofteninclude electronic or software coding that “locks” them so that certainsettings cannot be adjusted, including settings that control whichcarrier's network the device uses. These locked phones can be “unlocked”so that its settings can be adjusted and made to function on othercellular networks (referred to as “flashing”, “reflashing”,“provisioning”, or “reprovisioning”). Conventional tools forprovisioning cellular telephone handsets are developed by handsetmanufacturers for use in directing and locking specific makes and modelsof handsets to specific wireless networks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables a universal tool capable of detecting themake and model of phone or other wireless communication device andautomatically provisioning the device for use on one of the manyavailable networks. Most (if not all) of the original equipmentmanufacturer, or “oem,” phone support tools (“PST”) are brand nameoriented.

The present invention can accept different preferred roaming lists(“PRLs”) configurations that correspond to different carriers. The userjust chooses which carrier or PRL will load to the handsets, achievingto switch the handset to another carrier's network. There is nolimitation in number of different PRLs that can be configured, thereforeno limitation in number of different carriers that might be supported inthe same time by the system.

The present invention is a robust, Internet (i.e. web-based) applicationuniquely prepared for massive numbers of handset provisioning. Theserver can accept thousands of simultaneous connections.

The target handset's receiving performance is measured and compared tothe benchmark handset. Again, multi brand and through Internet, meaningmassive multitasking signal strength testing is supported.

The method of use of the present invention involves attaching a targetcellular telephone such that the software of the present invention isallowed to run and change the internal programming of the telephone.

1. RF Testing Using the Present Invention

The present invention will perform RF sensitivity testing. Plug cableinto phone, the present invention determines which handset is beingconnected. Each kit including the present invention comes with abenchmark handset which is identifiable and cannot be substituted.Calibration is performed to load the test requirement into the presentinvention. The target handset's performance is measured and compared tothe benchmark handset. A maximum permissible degradation compared tobenchmark handset determines if target handset passes test or not. Asimple screen interface provides the result. The result can be printedout for later identification purposes. If the handset passes the RFsensitivity test, it can then be unlocked and/or programmed for service.If it fails, no further work can be performed on it.

RF testing allows the user to test used phones when they are purchasedand reject poorly performing handsets that will cause returns andcustomer discontent.

RF testing allows the user to provide a service to prospective customersdetermining whether dropped calls are the result of the system or thehandset. Prospective customers may be enticed into seeking services byrunning such a test.

2. Unlocking Using the Present Invention

Many handsets use technological features, such as a service providercode (“SPC”) or master subsidy lock (“MSL”) programmed into them, toprevent the phone from being reconfigured to work on another wirelessnetwork. Without the use of any proprietary software or hardware fromphone manufacturers or network service providers, the present inventionis able to achieve connection with any wireless device, determinecharacteristics of the device, and then unlock the SPC or MSL features(“locks”) to allow reprovisioning.

Depending on the make and model of a handset, it may require unlockingof one or both of these two types of locks in order to enablereflashing, while other handsets require circumvention of still otherfeatures in addition to the locks.

Unlocking is the necessary first step in reprogramming a handset. Someunlocking systems are available on the Internet but are time consuming,costly, and often do not function properly. Different unlocking toolsare required for different handset manufacturers. The present inventionis the all-in-one tool that provides unlocking along with its othergreat features. One tool for all handsets.

3. Flashing Using the Present Invention

Flashing loads a new configuration into the handset allowing the handsetto function on a different network. The present invention can flash boththe Preferred Roaming List (“PRL”) and PRL

The PRL indicates which networks the handset can lock on to. Each systemhas a System Identifier (“SID”) which is broadcasted by each of the cellsites. Based on the preferred systems defined by the PRL, the handsetwill look for the proper SID to lock on to. By loading the PRL, any CDMAhandset will have voice and text capabilities.

The PRI contains the many (up to 130) specific parameters required for ahandset to properly perform data functions such as BREW, WAP, andpicture messaging functionality content downloads, Internet browsing.

The present invention allows constant building of its database ofhandset configurations. Flashing requires the correct configuration foreach individual handset type and for each service provider.

4. Use of the Present Invention

The present invention is designed with simplicity in mind. Rather thanhaving to search the Internet for software tools that are hard to use,the present invention is plug-and-play. Plug the appropriate cable intothe test handset and in most cases the present invention recognizes theattached handset. If not, a simple drop down menu allows the user toselect the right unit based on the identifying label under the handsetbattery. Simple screens walk the user through a minimal number of stepsthat perform an RF sensitivity test (screens the phone for RFperformance), unlocks the phone, then flashes the configuration for thechosen service provider. The settings are downloaded in seconds, and thephone reboots and locks on to the network. The user can then dial *228[SEND] and the configured system will send the Mobile ID Number to thehandset. Place a test call to ensure that everything is functioningproperly and the cell phone is functional.

The present invention offers an inexpensive cable kit or it can be usedwith other cables. The present invention may be effected by using anymachine readable media or over the Internet.

The present invention is designed to flash both single handsets or largequantities of handsets through a production line quickly andefficiently. Whether used for screening incoming handsets without theuse of expensive testing equipment, bulk unlocking, or bulk flashing,the present invention can be applied in all instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the present invention illustrating thedistribution of the central server and client application of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A-C make up a flow chart illustrating the general process of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3A-C make up a flow chart illustrating the provisioning process ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4A-B make up a flow chart illustrating the gateway transaction datadescription for the carrier as implemented by the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the present invention illustrating theconfiguration of the central server (“CS”) and client application(“CA”). The CS administers the control software of the presentinvention. Local PC's using the CAs may access the CS. It is anticipatedthat the system will incorporate a CS administering the CA's of multiplePCs over a network such as the Internet. However, the control softwareof the present invention could be installed on a single computing unitand the process would still operate in essentially the same manner.Using the network allows for increased numbers of cellular telephonehandsets that can be provisioned simultaneously, and at multiplelocations. Handsets, both subject and calibration, can be connected tothe local PC's so as to allow communications between the handsets andthe PC's, and for modification of the handset data and settings. WhileFIG. 1 illustrates the handsets connected to the PC's via USB cables, itis anticipated that the connection may be made by any number of types ofcables or wirelessly.

In order to control the function of the CA's over a network, users atindividual sites that wish to use the CA must log in to the CS. Use ofthe CA may be partially limited by a payment or credit system. By makingpayment or having credits, a user may be allowed to access and use theCS.

The process has the basic parts, after login, of detecting oridentifying the subject handset, selecting a target carrier, verifyingthe setting based upon a model or standard for the target carrier, andprovisioning the handset. Provisioning is broken into two mainparts—unlocking the subject handset from the existing carrier andlocking it to the new carrier by loading the parameters for the newcarrier.

A sensitivity or RF test may also be completed during the process by theCA. It may be done independently, or as a part of the provisioningsteps. The sensitivity test compares readings from the subject handsetto those of the calibration handset. Because of this, the user and newcarrier can be more sure that the subject handset will functioncorrectly on the new carrier.

Additionally, the identification process can be used separately from theprovisioning process. Phone support tools (“PST”) are available forvarious handsets. Therefore, using the selection portion of the presentinvention, a user can more easily implement PST's because the controlsoftware can automatically identify the handset. Then, desired PST'sthat are specific to the identified handset can be implemented.

The system also allows for the generation of details reports regardingthe handset and provisioning process. This can be beneficial so thatcarriers can identify what phones are on its network, confirm that theRF test was passed, obtain RF values, obtain electronic serial numbers,and many other values.

FIG. 2A-C illustrates the general process of the present invention forthe provisioning of cellular handsets of a client or user using thecontrol software. Abbreviations used in FIGS. 2A-C are as follows:

C.A.C.=Check Available Credits

A.U.=Automatic Upgrades

W.M.=Warning Message

C.V.A.=Client Version Actualization

E.C.A.=End Client Application

C.H.S.=Calibration Handset Selection

H.A.D.=Handset Auto Detection

H.M.S.=Handset Manual Selection

C.S.P.=Carrier Selection Process

T.S.A.=Test Stand Alone (RF)

C.S.=Central Server

C1.S.=Client Settings

P.R.=Provisioning Reports

H.D.=Help Desk

Because it is anticipated that the present invention may be operatedover the Internet, this may involve the login by the user. However, itis also anticipated that the CA may be used as a standalone, non-webbased application that may not require logging in. For a web-based CA,at step P1, the CA connects to the central server (“CS”) using a secureconnection, such as a hypertext transfer protocol secure (“HTTPS”)connection, to the web server. For such a login, the CA requests thatthe user provide a valid username and password to connect. The lastsuccessfully logged in username may be remembered and therefore only thepassword will be required in most cases. The CA is unable to provisionhandsets without a valid username and password and a valid HTTPSconnection to the CS.

Once the username and password are successfully validated, the CA userinterface automatically configures in relation with preconfigured userrights hierarchy. (In a non-web version, the user rights hierarchy mightbe determined by the type of license purchased by the user, or otheruser definitions.)

In an anticipated embodiment, the user rights hierarchy is grouped intothree (3) levels of accounts. The accounts are: corporate (the highestgrouping level), Master (a regional grouping), and manager (for locallocations). In this embodiment, the user rights hierarchy is furthergrouped into five (5) types of users.

Power Users can create any type of accounts and perform all necessaryassociations within accounts. A Power User can create all Corporate,Master, Manager and Simple Users. A Power User can see provisioningreports for all the transactions performed by all users grouped bycorporate, master or manager accounts. Additionally, a Power User hasaccess to special “cube” cross-reference reporting.

Corporate Users can see provisioning reports for the transactionsperformed by all Master, Manager and Simple User members of all masterand manager accounts associated with the Corporate User's CorporateAccount, but a Corporate User cannot create or edit any Users.

Master Users can create manager accounts associated to the Master User'smaster account. A Master User can create Manager and Simple users forany of the manager accounts associated to the Master User's masteraccount. A Master User can see provisioning reports for the transactionsperformed by all Manager and Simple User members of all master andmanager accounts associated with the Master User's master account. But,a Master User cannot create other Master users.

Manager Users can create Simple Users only for the Manager User'smanager account. A Manager User can see provisioning reports for thetransactions performed by Simple User members of the Manager User'smanager account. But, a Manager User cannot create other Manager users.

Simple Users can see provisioning reports only for transactions theyhave performed. Simple Users cannot create any type of users.

It is anticipated that hierarchy could be configured differently and tomeet given requirements in other embodiments.

The present invention may require payment by a user in order toprovision a handset. Thus, step P2 checks available credit of the user.The credit check has two (2) basic modes of operation: a prepaid mode inwhich, to be able to continue with the handset provisioning, the masteraccount of the connected user must have positive credit balance, or apostpaid mode in which Check Available Credit is not performed on themaster account, but the user is billed on a specified basis such as net30.

In step P3, an automatic upgrade is performed. The current version ofthe CA is compared with the most recent version of the CA. The newversion (if any) of the CA is automatically downloaded from CS and autoinstalled locally to the user's PC. Software updates may be detectedright after connecting to the CS and the available credit check isperformed.

Step P4 can provide a client warning message if necessary. The CA warnsthe user by displaying a client warring message. Any text can bedisplayed there, such as text that warns the user of eventual handsetdamage. The user can be given the choice to accept or reject thewarning, but the CA may be configured such that if a user does notaccept the client warning message, the CA will be automatically closed.In this configuration, it is mandatory to accept the client warningmessage.

Step P5 provides for a sensitivity test on the handset to beprovisioned. The user chooses the calibration handset from a list ofallowed calibration handset models from the CS. (Permitted calibrationhandset models are configured on the CS per each master account.Additionally, there is a parameterization option to setup on the CS andfollow allowed ESN numbers for calibration handset (configured permaster account)—fraud protection. In order to perform the sensitivitytest, the present invention employs RF comparing neg-gain criteria,which is configured per the master account and stored on the CS. Anadditional parameterization option is to configure on CS (per the masteraccount) whether the RF Test is mandatory or not. If for the particularmaster account the RF test is configured to non mandatory, the CA willpermit the user to continue without selecting calibration handset.

Step P6 provides for the detection of the type of handset to beprovisioned. The handset detection may be automatic or manual. Ifautomatic, the CA scans for all handsets connected to the user's PCthrough data cables with the objective to auto detect all connectedcalibration handsets and handsets to be provisioned. The CA scans bydetecting all or some of the PC's communication (“com”) ports. Many PC'scan have hundreds of COM ports, therefore it can be advantageous interms of detection time and computing resources for the CA to allow theuser to reduce the number of COM ports scanned for handsets. Forexample, the present invention allows the user to bypass inactive ports.If a handset is found, the CA obtains the handset's signature from theconnected handset and sends the signature to the CS which will thenvalidate/match received signature with all stored and preconfiguredsignatures of supported handset models on the CS. The signature is acombination of the handset's identifying electronically readablecharacteristics. Acceptable characteristics include the firmware name,firmware version, handset version, firmware release date, handsetrelease date, handset build date, name of firmware bin file, ESN,handset brand, handset model, MEID, MDN, MIN1, and MIN2.

The CA may be configured to base its handset identification on aspecified number of identifying electronically readable characteristics.Because there is no current engineering standard for phones, it willgenerally take multiple identifying electronically readablecharacteristics in order to identify a subject handset, therefore thepresent invention uses two (2) or more of the identifying electronicallyreadable characteristics. After the subject handset is automaticallydetected, an option to select a new carrier is displayed to theoperator.

If, in step P6, the subject handset is not recognized (not autodetected), then the CA allows the user in step P7 to manually select oridentify the subject handset. In this manual detection step, the userselects the correct handset model from a list of available handsets. Thelist of supported handset models is pulled from the CS. Again, after thesubject handset is identified and selected, an option to select a newcarrier is displayed to the operator.

Step P8 allows for carrier selection for the subject handset. The userselects the carrier from a list pooled from the CS to which the userwants the handset to be provisioned. It is envisioned that the list mayinclude all or some supported carriers. The carriers are configured onthe CS with all particular and related specific configurations, orparameters for the new carrier. The number of, and values, of theparameters are carrier and handset model specific. While there arehundreds of possible parameters, some examples are a preferred roaminglist (“PRL”) and product release information (“PRI”). The list ofsupported carriers is configured on the CS per master account, thereforeonly allowed carriers will be displayed to the user for the selection.Once a new carrier is selected, the CS sends to the CA a set of explicitinstructions uniquely prepared for the selected carrier and for theidentified handset.

ESN refers to an Electronic Serial Number.

MEIC refers to a Mobile Equipment Identifier,

MDN refers to a Mobile Device Number.

MIN1 refers to a first Mobile Identification Number.

MIN2 refers to a second Mobile Identification Number.

The present invention then provides for the provisioning of the subjecthandset, as more completely described in conjunction with FIGS. 3A-C.During the general and provisioning processes of a first subjecthandset, or once the provisioning process is completed, general andprovisioning processes of multiple other subject handsets may beinitiated, processed, and completed. If there is no general orprovisioning process running, the CA enters a standby mode. From thestandby mode, a user may provision a second, third, or more subjecthandsets, review provisioning reports of transactions in relation withpreconfigured hierarchy/user rights, have a standalone RF, orsensitivity, test performed, access the CA settings, or exit from theCA.

The CA settings allow the user to make configuration changes, such asmodifying the Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”) to the CS. The presentinvention allows the user to configure the mode of the operation of theCA to single handsets (one by one handset provisioning regime), ormultiple handsets (bulk, multitasking handsets provisioning). The usermay administer the COM ports by setting the maximum number of COM Portsto scan, or set COM ports to be ignored in the COM port scan. The usermay check the Media Access Control (“MAC”) address of the user's PC, orshortcut to the device manager of the user's PC. The present inventionprovides for a ESN-MEID calculator, allowing ESN hex to dec and dec tohex, MEID hex to dec and dec to hex, and MEID hex to pESN hex. Or, theuser can exit from the CA.

The stand alone RF, or sensitivity, test is provided for in step P9. Theuser can select to have the CA perform a standalone RF signal testwithout performing complete provisioning process. The steps for thestand alone, and provisioning integrated, RF tests are essentially thesame—both compare the subject or test handset to a calibration handset.For the RF Test, the SID and channel frequency of the test handset areidentified, the calibration handset locks to the identical SID andfrequency, the calibration test scans the frequency and runs analysiscomparing neg-gain criteria between the test and the calibrationhandsets in relation to the preconfigured value set and stored on the CS(per Master Account). The RX power is analyzed. And, the results inrelation with neg-gain criteria are displayed.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrates the provisioning process of the presentinvention. Abbreviations used in FIGS. 3A-C are as follows:

C.A.C.=Check Availability Credits

E.C.A.=End Client Application

RF S.T.=RF Signal Test

P.H.I.=Pulling Handset Information

C.S.=Central Server

P.T.C.=Permission to Continue

U.H.=Unlock Handset

PRI L.=PRI Load

W.S.S.=WSP SOAP Server

I.P.R.=Inform Provisioning Result

P. E/M=Post ESN/MEID

C.T.—Charge Transaction

All process steps of the provisioning process are configurable,non-compulsory and in changeable order and are provided by the CS to theCA in P8 of the General Process. Step P10 is the available credit check.Step P11 is the RF test. In step P12, the handset's electronicidentifying information is obtained by the CA from connected handsets.In step P13, the CS requests from the wireless service provider (“WSP”),using Simple Object Access Protocol (“SOAP”) server permission tocontinue with provisioning. This feature provides the flexibility to theWSP so as to control provisioning flow. If the WSP SOAP server does notgrant permission to continue with handset provisioning, the process willstop. The interface process flow is more fully described in conjunctionwith the gateway transaction data description for carrier (soap serverinterface) and FIG. 4.

In step P14, the subject handset is unlocked from the old carrier. Inorder to unlock the handset and specific to the model of the connectedhandset and the chosen, new carrier, the CA performs a specificalgorithm that is received from the CS in P8 of the general process.Although there can be other values used, in a given embodiment of thepresent invention, the service provider code (“SPC”) and the mastersubsidy lock (“MSL”) of the subject handset are reset to zeroes. Becausethe SPC and MSL values are no longer specific to the old carrier, thehandset is no longer “locked” to that carrier.

Reconfiguring of the handset takes place in step P15. The PRI isreconfigured. Possible PRI data parameters (a number of PRI parametersare set in relation with the handset model and chosen Carrier) include:

Analog First Paging Channel

AMPs Home SID

Home SID, Foreign SID and Foreign NID Reg

EVRC Enable

CDMA Primary and Secondary A and B Channels

Mode Preference

SPASM

20 Home SID/NID Pairs

Banner

MMS Server Name

User Agent Profile URL—We Set to Default For Carrier

MMS Host

MMS Subscriber ID

WAP Server Primary URL

WAP DNS and Ports

WAP Homepage URL

PPP Authentication

Set to Simple IP Only

NAI Profile

BREW IP or URL

BREW WSP ID

In step P16, the PRL loading algorithm is performed by the CA. There area number of loading algorithms. The loading algorithm is used that isspecific to the model of the connected handset and the chosen carrier(received from the CS in P8 of the General Process).

In step P17, the CS informs WSP SOAP Server of the result of theprovisioning—whether there was success or failure.

In step P17, the CS posts the ESN/MEID only of the successfullyprovisioned handsets to WSP.

In step P19, if the transaction was prepaid, then each successfullyperformed provisioning transaction is charged by the CS withpreconfigured value, calculated in relation with the master accountinitial price per transaction and total deposit. If the transaction wasnot prepaid, then this step is ignored.

FIGS. 2A-C comprise a flow chart illustrating the gateway transactiondata description for carrier (soap server interface). FIGS. 2A-Ccomprise a flow chart illustrating the gateway transaction datadescription for the carrier as implemented by the present invention. ASOAP server conducts a permission check to determine whetherprovisioning of the subject handset will be allowed. The arguments usedin this request 1 are: Master Account(string), Manager Account(string),UserName(string), MACAddress(string), HandsetBrand(string),HandsetModel(string), OldAreaCode(string), OldNumber(string),OldMDN(string), ESNorMEID(string), SignalStrengthDifference(double),ReferenceID(integer), OUTPUT, statusMessaage(string), OUTPUT,Shouldretry(bool) OUTPUT. After receiving requested arguments, theclient SOAP server returns a positive or negative response as to whetherthe handset will be allowed to be provisioned. The arguments used inthis response 1 are: CheckESNResult (ReturnValue:integer—0), ReferenceID(integer—unique_reference_number), StatusMessage (string—Not Used),ShouldRetry (bool—Not Used). If the response is yes, the CA proceedswith the handset provisioning. If no, then provisioning is not allowed.The second determination by the SOAP server concerns the success orfailure of the provisioning process. Once again, the SOAP serverrequests certain arguments from the handset to determine the success ofthe provisioning process. The arguments used in this request 2 are:ReferenceID(integer—unique_reference_number),IsFlashed(bool—true—false), StatusMessage(string—message explanation)OUTPUT, ShouldRetry(bool) OUTPUT. Once determined, the user can benotified of the success or failure of the process. The arguments used inresponse 2 are: CheckESNResults (ReturnValue:integer—NOT 0), ReferenceID(integer—−1), StatusMessage (string—message, explanation error),ShouldRetry(bool).

While the present invention is not intended to be exclusively controlledby computer programs or algorithms on the Internet, it is intended thatthe present invention can be implemented and controlled by computerprograms or algorithms over the Internet, or other computer network.Therefore, the present invention contemplates a series of computeralgorithms and method by which the present invention is implemented andcontrolled. Thus, in some of the descriptions herein, the presentinvention is presented partly in terms of process steps and operationsof data bits within a computer memory. An algorithm is here, andgenerally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leadingto a desired result. These steps are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. In the present invention, theoperations referred to may be automated, machine operations done by acomputer or similar device performed in conjunction with a humanoperator.

The present invention relates to the methods for operating such devices,and processing electrical, magnetic, optic, or other physical signals togenerate other desired physical signals. It further relates to acomputer program and the control logic contained therein. The presentinvention also relates to apparatus for performing these operations. Theapparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes or itmay comprise a general purpose computer including a non-transitorycomputer readable medium selectively controlled or reconfigured by acomputer program stored in the memory of the computer. Further, becausethe present invention is intended to include a network of participants,with no geographic limitations, it is contemplated that to betterimplement the system of the current invention, at least part of suchimplementation will take place on the Internet, or other computernetwork. The method presented herein is not inherently related to anyparticular computer or other apparatus. Similarly, no particularcomputer programming language is required. The required structure,although not machine specific, will be apparent from the descriptionherein. Additionally, even though a specific device or softwareapplication may, or may not, be mentioned in conjunction with a step, oralgorithm, or action, it is intended that any appropriate device orsoftware application necessary or capable of implementing that step, oralgorithm, or action is anticipated herein. For example, if a step callsfor the input of data, it is contemplated that any appropriate devicessuch as, but not limited to, various input devices, output devices, datastorage devices, data transfers devices, could be used and areanticipated herein.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitedsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well asalternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent topersons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of theinvention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims willcover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A system for allowing users to universally reprovisionwireless telecommunications devices, said system comprising: a computersystem including a computer server and at least one computer terminal,said at least one computer terminal having a plurality of communicationlines, at least a first of said plurality of communication lines beingconnectable for remote communication through the internet with saidcomputer server; a local communicator for communication between said atleast one computer terminal and any of a plurality of different makes ofwireless telecommunications devices; and said computer system beingprogrammed to perform a method for reprovisioning any of said pluralityof different makes of wireless telecommunications devices, said methodincluding the steps of: controlling said computer terminal to monitorits communication lines in order to recognize a connection between oneof the communication lines and a wireless telecommunications device ofany of said plurality of different makes of wireless telecommunicationsdevices, wherein the wireless telecommunications device has operatingparameters in a first configuration; identifying the wirelesstelecommunications device for which the connection has been recognizedby said computer terminal in order to determine a characterization ofthe wireless telecommunications device, either by receiving user inputof identifying characteristics of the wireless telecommunications deviceor by sampling electronically readable characteristics of the wirelesstelecommunications device, wherein said characterization of the wirelesstelecommunications device is characterized by a combination of thewireless telecommunications device's characteristics, saidcharacteristics including at least one of the following characteristics:a permanent identification number (such as, without limitation, the ESNor MEID) for the wireless telecommunications device, a changeableidentification number (such as, without limitation, the MDN or an MIN)for the wireless telecommunications device, the name of firmware that isstored on the wireless telecommunications device for controlling itsoperation; the particular version of said firmware, the release date ofsaid firmware, the name of the bin file of said firmware, the brand ofhardware of the wireless telecommunications device, the model of saidhardware, the particular version of said hardware, the release date ofsaid hardware, the build date of said hardware; matching the determinedcharacterization of the wireless telecommunications device identified bysaid computer system to a group of settings that correspond to thedetermined characterization; controlling said computer terminal to allowthe user to reconfigure the operating parameters of the wirelesstelecommunications device by choosing selections from a group ofselections displayed by said computer terminal, whereby a secondconfiguration of operating parameters is produced such that the secondconfiguration is different than the first configuration of the operatingparameters; verifying settings for said second configuration and thewireless telecommunications device from model settings; modifying accesssettings of the wireless telecommunications device so as to allowmodification of the operating parameters of the wirelesstelecommunications device; after said modifying settings step, modifyingoperating parameters of the wireless telecommunications device to causethe wireless telecommunications device to have operating parameters inthe second configuration, so as to electronically enable the wirelesstelecommunications device to operate differently; and generating areport reflecting the success or failure of the reprovisioning; wherebyoperation of the wireless telecommunications device will be modified tooperate based on the second configuration rather than based on the firstconfiguration.
 2. The system as in claim 1 for allowing users touniversally reprovision wireless telecommunications devices, wherein:the first configuration of operating parameters of the wirelesstelecommunications device includes PRL data to cause the wirelesstelecommunications device to be operable to communicate with otherwireless telecommunications devices through access to a first wirelesscellular telecommunications network; and said modifying operatingparameters step comprises modifying PRL data of the wirelesstelecommunications device to cause the wireless telecommunicationsdevice to be operable to communicate with other wirelesstelecommunications devices through access to a second wireless cellulartelecommunications network.
 3. The system as in claim 2 for allowingusers to universally reprovision wireless telecommunications devices,wherein: said first wireless cellular telecommunications networkcorresponds to a first wireless cellular carrier; said second wirelesscellular telecommunications network corresponds to a second wirelesscellular carrier that is different from said first wireless cellularcarrier; said computer terminal controlling to allow step comprisescontrolling the computer terminal to allow the user to reconfigure thePRL data of the wireless telecommunications device by choosing saidsecond wireless cellular carrier from a group of potential wirelesscellular carriers displayed by said computer terminal; and saidverifying settings step comprises verifying PRL data that would causethe wireless telecommunications device to be operable to communicatewith other wireless telecommunications devices through access to saidsecond wireless cellular telecommunications network; whereby saidcomputer terminal controlling to allow step causes operation of thewireless telecommunications device to be modified to access said secondwireless cellular telecommunications network rather than said firstwireless cellular telecommunications network.
 4. The system as in claim1 for allowing users to universally reprovision wirelesstelecommunications devices, wherein: the first configuration ofoperating parameters of the wireless telecommunications device includesPRL data to cause the wireless telecommunications device to be operableto communicate with other wireless telecommunications devices throughaccess to a first wireless cellular telecommunications network, saidfirst wireless cellular telecommunications network corresponding to afirst wireless cellular carrier; said local communicator compriseseither a cable or a wireless connection; said modifying access settingsstep comprises modifying settings of the wireless telecommunicationsdevice so as to electronically unlock SPC or MSL features of thewireless telecommunications device to allow modification of itsoperating parameters; said modifying operating parameters step comprisesmodifying PRL data of the wireless telecommunications device to causethe wireless telecommunications device to be operable to communicatewith other wireless telecommunications devices through access to asecond wireless cellular telecommunications network, said secondwireless cellular telecommunications network corresponds to a secondwireless cellular carrier that is different from said first wirelesscellular carrier; said computer terminal controlling to allow stepcomprises controlling the computer terminal to allow the user toreconfigure the PRL data of the wireless telecommunications device bychoosing said second wireless cellular carrier from a group of potentialwireless cellular carriers displayed by said computer terminal; and saidverifying settings step comprises verifying PRL data that would causethe wireless telecommunications device to be operable to communicatewith other wireless telecommunications devices through access to saidsecond wireless cellular telecommunications network; whereby saidcomputer terminal controlling to allow step causes operation of thewireless telecommunications device to be modified to access said secondwireless cellular telecommunications network rather than said firstwireless cellular telecommunications network.
 5. The system as in claim1 for allowing users to universally reprovision wirelesstelecommunications devices, wherein said modifying settings stepcomprises modifying settings of the wireless telecommunications deviceso as to electronically unlock the wireless telecommunications device toallow modification of its operating parameters.
 6. The system as inclaim 1 for allowing users to universally reprovision wirelesstelecommunications devices, wherein said modifying settings stepcomprises modifying settings of the wireless telecommunications deviceso as to unlock SPC or MSL features of the wireless telecommunicationsdevice to allow modification of its operating parameters.
 7. The systemas in claim 1 for allowing users to universally reprovision wirelesstelecommunications devices, wherein said method further comprises:comparing RF signals of the wireless telecommunications device to acalibration wireless device in order to qualify the wirelesstelecommunications device; and performing an RF sensitivity test toscreen the wireless telecommunications device for RF performance, saidRF sensitivity test including comparing readings from the wirelesstelecommunications device against a maximum permissible degradation to acalibration wireless device to qualify the wireless telecommunicationsdevice.
 8. The system as in claim 1 for allowing users to universallyreprovision wireless telecommunications devices, wherein: the pluralityof communication lines of said at least one computer terminal comprisesa plurality of communication ports; and said local communicatorcomprises a cable connectible between a first of said communicationports and the wireless telecommunications device.
 9. The system as inclaim 1 for allowing users to universally reprovision wirelesstelecommunications devices, wherein said local communicator compriseseither a cable or a wireless connection.
 10. A system for allowing usersto universally reprovision wireless telecommunications devices, saidsystem comprising: a computer system including a computer server and atleast one computer terminal, said at least one computer terminal havinga plurality of communication lines; a local communicator forcommunication between said at least one computer terminal and any of aplurality of different makes of wireless telecommunications devices; andsaid computer system being programmed to perform a method forreprovisioning any of said plurality of different makes of wirelesstelecommunications devices, said method including the steps of:controlling said computer terminal to monitor its communication lines inorder to recognize a connection between one of the communication linesand a wireless telecommunications device of any of said plurality ofdifferent makes of wireless telecommunications devices, wherein thewireless telecommunications device has operating parameters in a firstconfiguration; identifying the wireless telecommunications device forwhich the connection has been recognized by said computer terminal inorder to determine a characterization of the wireless telecommunicationsdevice, either by receiving user input of identifying characteristics ofthe wireless telecommunications device or by sampling electronicallyreadable characteristics of the wireless telecommunications device,wherein said characterization of the wireless telecommunications deviceis characterized by a combination of the wireless telecommunicationsdevice's characteristics, said characteristics including at least one ofthe following characteristics: a permanent identification number for thewireless telecommunications device, a changeable identification numberfor the wireless telecommunications device, the name of firmware that isstored on the wireless telecommunications device for controlling itsoperation; the particular version of said firmware, the release date ofsaid firmware, the name of the bin file of said firmware, the brand ofhardware of the wireless telecommunications device, the model of saidhardware, the particular version of said hardware, the release date ofsaid hardware, the build date of said hardware; matching the determinedcharacterization of the wireless telecommunications device identified bysaid computer system to a group of settings that correspond to thedetermined characterization; controlling said computer terminal to allowthe user to reconfigure the operating parameters of the wirelesstelecommunications device by choosing selections from a group ofselections displayed by said computer terminal, whereby a secondconfiguration of operating parameters is produced such that the secondconfiguration is different than the first configuration of the operatingparameters; modifying access settings of the wireless telecommunicationsdevice so as to allow modification of the operating parameters of thewireless telecommunications device; after said modifying settings step,modifying operating parameters of the wireless telecommunications deviceto cause the wireless telecommunications device to have operatingparameters in the second configuration, so as to electronically enablethe wireless telecommunications device to operate differently; andgenerating a report reflecting the success or failure of thereprovisioning; whereby operation of the wireless telecommunicationsdevice will be modified to operate based on the second configurationrather than based on the first configuration; further whereby the firstconfiguration of operating parameters of the wireless telecommunicationsdevice includes Primary Rate Interface (PRI) data to cause the wirelesstelecommunications device to be operable to communicate with otherwireless telecommunications devices through access to a first wirelesscellular telecommunications network; and said modifying operatingparameters step comprises modifying PRI data of the wirelesstelecommunications device to cause the wireless telecommunicationsdevice to be operable to communicate with other wirelesstelecommunications devices through access to a second wireless cellulartelecommunications network.
 11. The system as in claim 10 wherein saidcomputer server and said computer terminal are run on the same computingdevice.
 12. The system as in claim 10 wherein said computer server andsaid computer terminal are run on a wireless telecommunications device.13. The system as in claim 10 wherein said computer system beingprogrammed allows for user interaction.
 14. The system as in claim 10wherein said computer system being programmed allows for automatedinteraction.